Everton close in on new manager

Talks are ongoing between Everton and Allardyce’s representatives and the hope is that they will be in a position to announce him as their new man in charge before the vital game against West Ham in midweek.

The 63-year-old said he was planning on retiring in the summer when he resigned his post at Crystal Palace but he admitted he could be tempted back into management when the Everton job became available.

Everton originally wanted Marco Silva at Watford but he does not appear to be available so they have gone back in for the former England boss ahead of the game against West Ham, who sit two points and two places below Everton in the final relegation place in the Premier League, and an announcement could be forthcoming in the next 24 hours.